With the long line of railroad Sigel has to protect, he can spare no troops, except to move directly to his front.

In this way he must get through to inflict great damage on the enemy, or the enemy must detach from one of his armies a large force to prevent it.

In other words, if Sigel can't skin himself, he can hold a leg while some one else skins.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U.S.GRANT, Lieutenant-General.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, April 10, 1864 Lieutenant-General U.S.GRANT, Commander-in-Chief, Washington, D.
DEAR GENERAL: Your two letters of April 4th are now before me, and afford me infinite satisfaction.

That we are now all to act on a common plan, converging on a common centre, looks like enlightened war.
Like yourself, you take the biggest load, and from me you shall have thorough and hearty cooperation.

I will not let side issues draw me off from your main plans in which I am to knock Jos.
Johnston, and to do as much damage to the resources of the enemy as possible.